De Puniet aiming for top six after first session

Frenchman Randy de Puniet says he could have done better than tenth place in the first free practice session of the season but was slowed down by another rider.

LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet set a fastest lap of 1’58.771 aboard his satellite RC212V on Friday evening in the first free practice of the 2009 season at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.

Having completed a total of 18 laps in the 45 minute session he gave his thoughts on finishing tenth on the opening night in the Arabian desert.

Randy De Puniet – 10th

“It was not so bad even if the session felt very short. We did a good job testing different settings and tyres and honestly I’ve already made my tyre choice for the race. I did a long run (8 laps) at the end of the session, riding with a good feeling. Tenth position is not bad but we could go faster, finishing in the top six. Unfortunately I lost some time behind (Nicky) Hayden on my last lap, but I think we started the race week end in a good form”.